My Genealogy Hound

Grandison Apple, a substantial farmer of Lonoke County, has a farm of over 1,000 acres, 150 of which are under cultivation. Born in Gilford County, N. C, September 16, 1831, he was the son of Peter and Rebecca (Harris) Apple, natives of North Carolina and Virginia, respectively. The father was born in 1796 and died in 1850, and the mother, whose birth occurred in 1799, died in this State in 1855. They were the parents of nine children, two of whom only are now living: M. G. (a resident of this county) and Grandison (the principal of this article). The latter was reared in North Carolina, receiving an education in the common schools of his county. Upon becoming of age he started in life for himself in farming and trading, and was married in 1860 to Miss Caroline Seens, a native of Tennessee, but who died the same year. His second marriage was in 1866, to Miss Frances C. Donnell, who died the following year, leaving one child, Frances A. (now wife of H. L. Britton, of this county.) Mr. Apple’s third wife was Nancy Jones, to whom he was united July 12, 1868. She lived nine years, and became the mother of three children, two of whom survive: William J. and Samuel A. Miss Martha J. Pierson, his last and fourth wife (who is still living), was born in Georgia, in 1843, their marriage being consummated September 18, 1878. They have had one child, now deceased. Mr. Apple moved from North Carolina to Henry County, Tenn., in 1851, and in 1855 emigrated to this county, of which he was one of the early settlers. In 1862 he enlisted in Company I, Twenty-fifth Arkansas Infantry, and served until the close of the war, receiving a shot in the left hand which badly crippled him. After the war was over he returned to his farm, which he found in an impoverished condition, but it was soon in good condition again. Mr. Apple belongs to the Masonic order. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and belong to Cypress Valley congregation, which at the time he joined had about five members, and now is composed of over forty. He gives the most of his attention to raising fine stock, though fruit, berries, grapes, etc., are grown. Mr. Apple is a strong Democrat and a highly respected citizen of Caroline Township.